Family of Bupa Death Man Blast Compensation as an 'Insult'

The family of a wheelchair-bound man who burned to death in a Bupa home has slammed a £10,000 compensation offer as an 'insult.'

Cedric Skyers, 69, died when a cigarette set his clothes on fire as he smoked alone in the home's garden.

An inquest ruled that he would still be alive if he had been supervised, wearing a fireproof apron, or had had an alarm.

His son, David, said:

"My father died because people did not do their jobs properly.

"Bupa have offered £10,000 - an insult. They are saying our dad's life was only worth £10,000.

"We are so angry. He would have been screaming in agony, but nobody was around to hear him. It beggars belief. When someone is in a nursing home you expect them to be safe, not die in a ball of flames."

Southwark Coroner's Court heard Cedric was left unsupervised for 45 minutes at Manley Court in New Cross, South London, and the Care Quality Commission found staffing levels were inadequate to provide safe care.

A Bupa spokeswoman apologised and said staff training had been increased "to make sure this doesn't happen again."

If your health has suffered due to the negligence of a healthcare professional, you may be entitled to compensation. Speak to our Rochdale team on 0800 810 1010 to find out more.

Whitestone Solicitors

Medical Negligence Claims